I'll never forget the joy of my last full conversation with Aunt Rita, not long before she passed away. She was, as always, full of joy and life -- despite her health struggles, she always focused on the positive, sharing how pleased she was with her new eating habits, feeling more energy, and just being in touch with all of the blessings life had to offer. She had great humor and curiosity, and she was so fully engaged with the lives of her loved ones. Her spirit was a youthful one, which made it all the more surprising to lose her so soon afterward. When I imagine my interactions with her, they were always about JOY.
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— with
Ethelyn "Rita" Stephens
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In late May, Aunt Rita and I had the most glorious conversation: the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren, how she enjoyed regular Zooms with her siblings, and how generally positively she believed her life was going. I'm sure she had aches and pains she did not share with me because she did not like to complain. But the call made me happy, as calls and visits with her always did. She was loving, witty, wise and creative, and she was so supportive of me and my writing. When my mother was ill in Atlanta, Aunt Rita often sat by her bedside. She was always ready with a helpful word or positive thought, including here on Facebook -- where her name often popped up whenever her family shared milestones. Her faith and love were mighty.
I'm grateful that I was able to see Aunt Rita only days before she passed away, but we all thought she would have more time.
This is a photo in Atlanta with me, Aunt Rita, and my cousin Swarita. This happy memory reflected in the glow on her face -- like Aunt Rita's spirit -- feels close enough to touch.
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Sending everyone love during this new trial! Aunt Rita's spirit will always be watching with pride.
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Sending love to the Stephens Family.
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Sincere condolences to the family of our classmate, Ethelyn Willis Stephens.
Marilyn Pryce Hoytt, Spelman Class of 1963
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John,
I am praying for you and the family.
Love,
Cathy
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I am sorry to hear the passing of Rita your sister my cousin she is one of the great, everyone loved her and she loved everyone
She will always be with me
I said a prayer so you all can remain strong through this
Lee
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Mrs. Rita was one of. Kindness and loving Woman I had the pleasure of knowing. She was a special lady and the bonus Mom of my Sister from Sarina .
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Our condolences to the family from Karen Hawkins- Dixon and James Dixon and Eva Cofield
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I Am So Very Sorry For Your Loss. May God Bring You Thru This Hard Time… You & Yours Are in My Prayers.⛪️✝️🙏🏽🌹♥️
Joannie,
A Friend Of Lee
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Swarita, John, grandchildren, siblings and all family members, I send my condolences and prayers. I shall never forget Ethelyn. Her knowledge of the Bible and the way she taught Sunday School always helped and inspired me. I have pieces of her craft and art work (book marks and Bible verses) throughout my house. She’s with her beloved Walt and ancestors resting in eternal peace and healing with our creator. 🙏🏾💜
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I was so sorry to hear about Rita's passing. She was such a [gifted /loving] and [ Cristian faithful giver to all.
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Such a sweet and loving family. So sorry for your loss❤️Praying for you all❤️1 Peter 5:7 and 2Corinthians 5:8 and 2 Corinthians 1:5
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My deepest condolences to the family. Mrs. Stephens was so welcoming and will truly be missed.
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My prayers are for strength and peace to you and your entire tribe. I am here for you in any capacity. I love you.
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The Pullen Family would like to extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Mama Rit. (Mama Rita) She showed nothing but kindness to us and our children during our many years of connection. Swa John Sierra Kierra and Zaria we love you all and send our love during this very difficult time. Prayers to Mama Rita siblings as well and all the family
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